Howl of Destiny: Alpha Lira's Legend | Read Free Preview
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Chapter 1 — The Wolf Ring
Lira Voss's POV:
"Lira Voss! You pathetic Omega, give me that ring now!
"Or I'll let my wolf out right here and rip your throat out!"
My stepmother, Raina Voss—the Luna of Brookstone Pack—snarled, her wolf eyes flaring as she stared at me fiercely and closed in step by step.
I clamped my right hand tight around the wolf-shaped ring on my left pinky, backing away slowly. The black iron shackles on my wrists and ankles scraped against the floor with a harsh, grating sound.
Mom's last words echoed in my ears over and over. "Lira, you have to protect this wolf ring! Leave Brookstone Pack and find Kael Thorne..."
The hard metal of the ring bit into my palm. I glanced down at it. The wolf's head was lifelike, and the bright blue crystal in its eye socket flickered on and off, just like Mom's eyes.
Mom had always been brave and tough. As her daughter, I'd never give in, even if I had to fight to the death!
I held my head high, glaring at her with disdain, my voice cold and firm. "You think you can just take what my mother left me? Dream on!"
"You b*tch!" Sharp fangs shot from her gums. In a flash, she lunged, her hand closing around my throat.
I looked at her calmly, forcing out the words with difficulty. "If... you don't care about... my dad's scolding and punishment, kill me now..."
She glared at me, her eyes full of hate. Then, with a furious growl, she shoved me away. I hit the ground hard.
This ring was a part of me now. She couldn't just yank it off. She'd have to beat me half to death first and force my wolf spirit into sleep. Only then could she take it.
Without Dad's order, she could only hurt my body—she couldn't beat me hard enough to get her hands on that ring. I knew it was driving her crazy.
Before she left the cell, she tossed an order over her shoulder. "Guards! Show her no mercy!"
The moment she was gone, a dozen burly warriors flooded in.
They surrounded me in an instant, raised their poison-soaked iron whips high, and lashed them at me nonstop.
The burning, relentless pain forced me into a tight ball on the filthy floor. My fists were clenched so tight my knuckles turned white. Every breath felt like my ribs were cracking, but I bit my lip until I tasted blood. I wouldn't make a sound.
Soon, my wolf Lily was too weak to stay awake. She couldn't heal my wounds anymore.
The musty smell unique to the dungeon mixed with the stench of blood, stinging my nose and keeping me wide awake.
I gritted my teeth, held the ring tightly, and endured silently until the torture ended that day...
*****
Three days ago, right after Mom's funeral, my father—Alpha Andrew Voss—couldn't wait. He announced that Raina, the woman he'd just brought home, was the new Luna.
It wasn't until my wolf, Lily, caught the scent on the girl Raina brought with her—Ruby—that I understood. Ruby smelled like my father. He'd betrayed Mom a long time ago.
In that moment, everything made sense. All those times Mom told me, "You have to leave Brookstone Pack."
Mom's death... it was probably no accident.
I rushed to the Elder Council Hall to demand an explanation, only to fall into Raina's trap.
While Dad was away, she framed me for "murdering the Luna and plotting a rebellion" and threw me into this abandoned dungeon.
I knew what she really wanted. The wolf-shaped ring my mom left me.
This ring was a family heirloom from my maternal grandfather's pure-blood noble pack, a symbol of status.
Rumor had it that it could boost a wolf's power. But for some reason, ever since I'd worn it, it had never increased my wolf Lily's power...
As I thought, the cell door creaked open again.
She was back.
I let out a cold laugh.
She didn't dare kill me for real, but she refused to give up. She came to torture and threaten me every day, trying to steal the ring.
Two visits in one day? This was about more than just pain.
I tensed up instantly and looked up.
Raina walked in wearing expensive fur boots, followed by the girl who now bore Dad's last name, Ruby Voss.
Her white dress made her look even more innocent, but her eyes held the same malice as Raina's.
"Lira, enjoying the dark?"
Raina ground the heel of her boot into the back of my hand. Her smile was sweet poison. "Just hand over the wolf ring, and I'll spare your life. You can stay in Brookstone Pack."
I lifted my head. Dried blood blurred my vision, but I stared right at her. "You don't get to touch anything that was my mom's!"
This woman—she stole everything from my mother from the shadows. And this bast**d child—she was trying to steal my place.
"Lira, why are you being so stubborn?"
Ruby knelt down, sighing falsely. "This ring is just a memento to you. But for my mom, it secures her place as Luna. It'll make her happy. And you... you'll hurt less.
"Besides, my mom can use its power better. She can help Dad make Brookstone Pack stronger."
"Stronger?"
I let out a harsh, hoarse laugh. "Strength gained through betrayal and trickery? Is that real strength?
"I can't wait to watch this pack crumble under you. Without a good Luna, a wise one like my mom, it'll fall apart!"
"Shut up!"
Raina's face darkened instantly, and a fierce light flashed in her eyes.
"I've given you so many chances, but you never gave up the ring willingly.
"This time, I'm done playing nice!"
A triumphant grin spread across her face. "Your father gave his permission. I can do whatever it takes to get that ring."
So Dad had completely given up on me, his useless Omega daughter.
Disappointment and pain flooded my heart. Before I could process these feelings, I heard her shout loudly—
"Guards! Beat her until her wolf passes out! Then take the ring!"
Two guards in black cloaks rushed forward. They pinned my arms and legs to the cold stone.
I struggled desperately, but as an Omega, my wolf Lily was no match for the high-ranking wolf guards. Soon, Lily slipped away, into unconsciousness.
I felt the cold touch vanish from my finger. The wolf-shaped ring I'd worn since I was a child—it was ripped away.
"Good, we have the ring. Now you can die."
Chapter 2 — The Awakened Guardian
Lira's POV:
Raina waved her hand with a triumphant smile.
A vicious black wolf bared its fangs and leaped straight for my throat!
"Lily!"
I called out desperately, trying to wake her.
But there was no response at all.
The cold, sharp points of its teeth pressed against my neck. Pain shot through me.
I shut my eyes, giving up.
Then, I saw it. The ring Raina was holding suddenly blazed with a bright blue light!
She shrieked, like she'd been burned. She clutched her hand and threw the ring aside.
It rolled to my feet. I grabbed it and held on tight.
At the same moment, a cold, strange woman's voice exploded inside my head.
Lira, protect the ring!
That wasn't Lily.
Who was that?
Before I could wonder, a fire ignited in my chest. My insides felt like they were on fire. The tearing pain was so bad I almost blacked out.
Then, just as fast, the burning faded. A new, strong power took its place.
I am Victoria. Your other guardian wolf spirit.
That female voice rang out again, with a tone that brooked no argument. From now on, we share one life.
The moment she finished speaking, a burst of raw energy surged through me. My body broke free from the shackles.
Raina, Ruby, and all the guards stared at me in shock. They didn't even try to stop me.
My voice was rough as I spoke, slow and clear. "Raina. I will pay you back for today. A hundred times over."
As soon as the words left my mouth, the roof of the dungeon caved in. Rubble blocked the main exit.
Victoria's energy held me up. I slipped through a dark crack in the back wall and ran. I ran straight for the Brookstone Pack's border.
Her power pushed the pain down, but it was too much for me. Every step felt like my bones were breaking. My muscles screamed.
When I couldn't go on, she took over. She ran my body for what felt like miles.
Finally, we crashed into the dense woods at the pack's edge.
The thick trees and the scents of other Rogue wolves would hide me for a while.
Victoria slowed down. She stopped behind a giant tree and gave my body back to me.
Have a rest. Your body is weak. We've just merged. It can't handle my full strength yet.
I slumped against the trunk, gasping. My voice was hoarse. "Who are you? How are you inside me?"
I'm the inherited wolf spirit of your mother's bloodline. Sealed within you at birth. Victoria's voice sounded distant.
The wolf ring is your maternal family's token. It can wake me. But only when you face true death, when your own bloodline power rises, can I wake fully. We share one life now.
Her words hit me hard. I sat there, stunned.
I never knew I had this inside me. I always thought I was just a weak Omega...
A spark of hope lit in my chest. But worry followed close behind.
"Does this mean... you replaced Lily? Is she gone?" I asked, the weight of it heavy in my voice.
No. I did not replace her. You, me, and Lily—we exist together. We share this life.
My girl, you were born special.
You carry two spirits. Lily, the Omega from your father's line. And me—Victoria, the strong and noble one from your mother's.
When we are fully settled, you can call on either of us.
Her blunt claim of being "strong and noble" made me smile. A real smile. The first one since Mom died.
I touched the wolf ring. The blue crystal still glowed softly.
So that was why Raina wanted it so badly. Not just for the status. For the power inside it.
"Raina, Ruby, my father... they won't just let me go," I whispered.
My hands clenched into fists. My nails dug into my palms. "I have to get stronger."
Your body is frail. As an Omega, your strength was always limited. Victoria's tone turned serious now.
But I can teach you to use spirit energy to make your body strong. Strong enough to fight like an Alpha.
But not yet. We just merged. Our energy is unsteady. It needs time.
I opened my mouth to ask another question.
Then I heard it. Footsteps. Deep in the woods. And the sound of heavy, panting breaths.
Quick! Let me take over! Victoria seized control again.
Stay sharp. They've found us. Her voice rang in my head, urgent.
I looked back. Dust kicked up behind the trees. Four of Raina's high-ranking guards were closing in fast.
They were half-shifted. Wolf claws and fangs glinted. They were scary fast.
But Victoria was faster. She soon put distance between us.
Just as I started to relax, a terrible pain ripped through my body.
Victoria felt it. She gave control back to me at once. We're still in the adaptation period. I can't hold your body for long.
From here, I can only feed you a little power from within. You must run on your own.
As an Omega, I was already weaker than those guards. And Victoria's power was still wild inside me. I couldn't control it fully.
I just ran. Ran with everything I had. Toward the border cliffs.
It was a natural wall between Brookstone Pack and the outside world. My only way out.
"You little b*tch! Stop!"
The lead guard let out a low growl. "Give us the ring!"
I gritted my teeth and didn't dare to look back.
The sound of pursuit got closer. I could hear the "swish" of claws cutting the air right behind me.
My strength was draining fast. My legs felt like blocks of lead.
Finally, I burst out of the trees at the cliff's edge.
Below me was nothing but a deep, dark drop.
The four guards fanned out, surrounding me. Their killing intent was a thick, hot wave. Their eyes said they'd tear me apart any second.
"Nowhere left to run. Hand it over," one guard snarled, stepping closer. "Luna says we can make your death quick if you give us the ring."
I was forced back, step by step, until my heels were on the very edge.
Victoria's voice was tired. Our energy is still unstable. I can't fully shift to fight.
"I know," I whispered.
I took one last deep breath. My fists were so tight they shook. "I'd rather take my chances here than go back to that cell."
I turned my head and looked at the guards. I gave them a cold, final smile.
"You want the ring?" I said. "You'll have to follow me down to get it."
And without another second of doubt, I stepped off the cliff.
Chapter 3 — The Hidmoon Pack
Lira's POV:
The pressure from the fast fall was too much. I blacked out...
Lira!
Lira! Wake up!
I didn't know how long passed. It was only after Victoria called my name again and again that I slowly came to.
I opened my eyes. I was lying on a stone slab bed. The walls around me were made of natural rock. A set of deer antlers hung on the wall opposite. The whole room felt simple and solid.
We're safe. Victoria said softly in my mind. I sense no danger here.
I pushed myself up to sit. I realized with a shock—all the wounds from my torture were gone. Completely healed. Not even a scar.
As we merge, healing your body is easy for my power. Victoria explained.
A wave of relief washed over me. Curious, I quietly got up and went to the door. I pushed it open a crack to look outside.
The sight stunned me.
Outside the stone hut was a wide-open training ground. Dozens of werewolves were training, spread out across the dirt.
Some were half-shifted. Their sharp claws and fangs flashed as they sparred and grappled with each other.
Others fought in human form. The "thud" of fists and feet hitting flesh was clear in the air.
The males were strong, moving with raw power and speed. The females were just as fierce—agile and tough.
Their scents are so mixed. Victoria's voice held surprise. Plains wolf. Mountain wolf. City stray wolf. They don't smell like one pack at all.
I focused, feeling the energy around them. She was right. Every wolf spirit felt different. Yet they all shared the same... peace.
There was no fighting here. No anger. It felt strangely warm and safe.
I was still watching when one of the training soldiers suddenly turned his head. He looked right at me.
He froze for a second. Then he stopped moving and pointed in my direction.
In a heartbeat, every werewolf on the field stopped. They all turned. Dozens of pairs of eyes looked straight at me.
They didn't look hostile. Just... curious.
Then, light flashed around the yard. The half-shifted werewolves returned to human form. The men were shirtless, muscles smooth with sweat. The women wore simple tunics, their eyes bright and clear.
An older woman stepped out from the crowd. Her hair was gray. She wore a plain, long dress. She moved with steady steps. Her eyes were kind, but held a quiet strength. The wolf spirit around her was gentle, but so powerful.
"You're awake?"
She walked up to me. Her voice was soft, her eyes full of a gentle care. "How are you feeling?"
"Did you save me?" I asked quietly.
She nodded. "I found you at the edge of our territory. You were unconscious, so I brought you home."
I quickly bowed my head. "Thank you. I feel much better."
"When I found you, your body was badly hurt. But your wolf spirit... it held on tight. You healed faster than I expected. Faster than most Alphas. But your powerful wolf is newly awakened. Your body isn't used to her yet."
Her words hit me hard.
She saw right through me. Just like that.
Under my stunned look, she went on calmly. "The energy inside you is still unsteady. You need more rest. Then, slow training. Let your wolf spirit settle in with you."
"Okay. I'll remember," I said. Her concern warmed something cold inside my chest.
"How should I address you? And... where is this place?"
"My name is Enid Krom. I am an elder here. You may call me Elder Krom," she said with a gentle smile. "This is the Hidmoon Pack. A pack of strays and loners. You could call it a big family.
"We have lived here in secret for generations. We don't serve any great pack. Our only purpose is to heal the sick, help the hurt, and shelter those cast out by their own."
Hidmoon Pack?
I looked around. We were in a valley, ringed by high cliffs—a perfect natural wall. It was very hidden indeed.
So this was a sanctuary for strays.
Ironically, compared to my original pack—Brookstone Pack—this place made me feel more at home and safe.
I gave a small, sad smile and looked down. "My name is Lira. I have no pack now. No family."
She sighed, her eyes full of pity. "I know you have suffered. Everyone here has been cast out before. But here, there is no ranking. No fighting. Only mutual aid."
She paused. Her gaze on me grew serious. "Lira, when I found you, you were still holding a wolf pup in your arms, even in your sleep. That kindness... it is the most valued quality of the Hidmoon Pack."
Then I remembered. During the fall, a small, furry shape had tumbled down near me. I'd grabbed it with my last bit of strength before everything went dark. It must be safe now...
Enid's voice brought me back. "Also, your wolf spirit is special. Two spirits, sharing one life. Your talent and potential are far beyond any high-ranking werewolf I've seen. You are the most qualified young one I have ever met to lead the Hidmoon Pack."
My head shot up. I stared at her, stunned. "What... what do you mean?"
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